Christopher Ferner

Christopher Ferner

Fancy spring? Spring check! HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia - get tested now!

Regular testing is part of this: We recommend it, go for an HIV test at least once a year. Take this opportunity to get tested for other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia. You can find test centres from, for example, AIDS service organisations, gay projects and health authorities.

My choice. Your respect.

Those who want to HIV protects - regardless of the safer sex method - deserves respect. Insults, marginalisation and discrimination, on the other hand, have no place when it comes to safer sex. That's why we have launched the Safer Sex 3.0 campaign this year under the motto "My choice. Your respect." .

 

We also promote a self-confident approach to the chosen method. Of course, it can happen that you are rejected because the other person doesn't like your safer sex method. If this happens to you, you shouldn't be annoyed. After all, this is not a personal rejection.

HIV can be transmitted when bodily fluids such as blood or semen that contain sufficient HI viruses get onto mucous membranes, wounds or directly into the blood. HIV is most frequently passed on during fucking without safe sex. In everyday life, however, HIV is not transmitted.
Shortly after infection with HIV, flu-like symptoms often occur. After that, nothing seems to happen for a long time. However, the virus continues to multiply in the body and weakens the immune system. Without treatment, serious illnesses occur after several years.
You can only find out if you are HIV-positive with an HIV test. If you know about your HIV infection, you can start treatment in good time. This enables you to live a long and good life. We therefore recommend that you get tested for HIV at least once a year.
Much has changed in the treatment of HIV in recent decades. Today, it is possible to lead a good and long life with HIV therapy. Nevertheless, there are still challenges. And there is support.
In addition to the tests offered by AIDS service organisations, health authorities, testing projects or doctors, there is also the so-called HIV self-test. Is it reliable and where can you get it? We answer the important questions.
Today, it is recommended to start HIV treatment as early as possible. The medication keeps HIV so well in check that the virus can no longer be passed on during sex, whether with or without a condom. Those who start treatment in good time have an almost normal life expectancy with a good quality of life.
A lot of research is being carried out in the field of HIV - for example on a cure. However, this is not expected in the near future. New studies on an HIV vaccine give new hope - but here too it will take some time. When it comes to HIV therapy, research is also continuing in order to make the drugs even better.
Hepatitis A is the most common form of viral hepatitis. However, it is also the least dangerous, almost always heals on its own and leaves no permanent damage. Nevertheless, you should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver against which you can be vaccinated. It is transmitted during sex and drug use, among other things.
Hepatitis C (HCV) is increasingly being diagnosed in gay men, especially those who are HIV-positive. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccination and even if you have had the disease, it does not protect you from further infection. However, thanks to new therapies, hepatitis C can now be cured in three months. We recommend treatment e.g. in HIV specialist practices or in gastroenterological practices.

What is HIV? What is AIDS?

The HI virus was discovered in 1983 and identified as the cause of Aids in the same year. This video explains what HIV does in the body and when we start talking about AIDS.

Bodily injury
Two and a half years in prison for unprotected sex. A 25-year-old from Pirmasens was found guilty.
Expert video: Provision for old age
What should you do if you need help in old age? Can you still live openly gay in a care home? How can you make provisions, what can you plan for? These and many other questions are of concern to gay men who are getting old - regardless of their HIV status. Silke Eggers from Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe provides information and tips.
Sexuality in old age
Karl, Julio, Jean-Claude and Karl are between 60 and 66 years young. They talk about how they have sex even at an advanced age, what their desires are and what challenges they face. Whether they are in a relationship, single or having a paid fuck, sex can be very diverse even in old age.
Growing old as a gay man
Today's gay men over 50 were the first to go out in public to demonstrate in favour of equality. This gay generation is now getting visibly older in the truest sense of the word.
Video: Together through time
"Everything used to be better?" From a gay perspective, this sentence is certainly not true if you think back to Paragraph 175 or the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
Many gay men are in a relationship. Regardless of whether they are monogamous or open - i.e. with several (sexual) partners. Some relationships fail because the partners are unable to talk honestly about their wishes and problems. This is where an outside perspective can be helpful.
Living with HIV. Different than you think?
For some people, being HIV-positive and living life to the full is a matter of course. For others, this is not always the case. HIV medication, the scene, the circle of friends, one's own psyche and many other factors can have both a positive and negative influence on living with HIV. The scientific study positive voices 2.0 has clearly shown that exclusion, rejection and stigmatisation in particular have a negative impact on the lives of people with HIV.
Choice of doctor & treatment
Early HIV treatment enables you to live a good and long life. It is important that you find the right treatment for you together with a specialist. Of course, it also depends on the doctor: You should trust him or her and feel that you can address all the important issues. You can find more tips on this page.

During the test

"I get tested regularly, it makes me feel better," says Enrico. To test for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, he prefers to use the services offered by AIDS service organisations and health authorities. In the video, we accompany him to the test.

Further offers

We offer various counselling services. Whether online, by phone or in a live chat: experienced and trained counsellors are available to answer all your questions about HIV, STIs, chemsex and mental well-being. You can seek help from the anti-discrimination centre if you have experienced discrimination due to your HIV infection.